- Android 11 will extend wireless Android Auto support to all phones.
- It required previously certain Google and Samsung phones.
- Whether your car supports it or not is another matter.
Android Auto Wireless has been available for a while, but you will need certain Google or Samsung phones to charge yourself to leave the USB cable behind. That’s all set to change when Android 11 arrives, however.
Google has quietly confirmed (via 9to5Google) that “any” smartphone using Android 11 will support Android Auto wireless. The only major obstacle is the need for 5GHz Wi-Fi support. That is not normally a problem, although phones in the EU will have to meet additional regulatory requirements to use this frequency in the car. Japanese and Russian users also do not have access.
With these limitations in mind, the move will make Android Auto wireless accessible to a much wider range of users. You will just need a phone that can run Android 11 in the first place, regardless of its age or performance. A budget Android phone will do the trick as a flagship.
See also: The best Android Auto apps
The challenge now will be to find compatible cars. While the range is growing, with BMW adding support, there is no guarantee that your car as a dash unit will support Android Auto wireless, even if others from the same manufacturer do. Google and individual car brands usually list only basic Android Auto capability, not wireless support.
It is also worth considering. In fact, you will not necessarily charge your phone, so you may need to be careful about using Android Auto Wireless for extended periods of time, unless your car also has wireless charging. While this is happening more and more often, you can end up with plug-ins (where Android Auto wireless is supported) just to make sure you have a healthy battery charger at the end of your trip.
